Page 46 of Married to the Ruthless Mafia Heir

She asked, "You love her, don't you?"

I was silent for a long time. Didn't answer.

Because I didn't know. I only knew that seeing her with Luca made me want him erased from the world. I only knew that when she cried and said "I can accept a divorce," I wanted to strangle her.

But was that love? My heart had been numb too long. I couldn't identify this feeling.

The car pulled up to Valentina's apartment building. Before she got out, I handed her another card. "Valentina, I'll do everything I can to make up for what you've suffered. I'll deposit money in this account every month. Enough for you to live well in New York. But beyond that, I can't give you anything more."

She took the card tearfully, looking at me with resentment. Finally, she lifted her chin proudly and walked away.

"The Cruz family—our people found some leads. Marco, keep following up." I pressed my fingers to my brow, forcing down the churning emotions, redirecting my focus to what mattered more.

Marco drove me back to my apartment. "Understood."

He asked, "Elena—Mrs. Moretti. What do you plan to do?"

I leaned back and closed my eyes. Elena's devastated, sobbing face flashed before me. I thought for a moment. "Let herstay at the manor and reflect. As for that Lombardi punk, I'll deal with him eventually."

"Sir, these documents need your signature."

My secretary entered, carrying several files. I took them and flipped through. The final plans for converting the underground casinos. Great locations—once renovated into shopping centers, they'd connect with surrounding commercial areas.

"Good proposal." I signed off and approved the budget. "Move forward with the plan."

The secretary nodded. "Yes, sir."

Marco suddenly burst in, panic on his face. I dismissed the secretary and frowned at him. "What happened?"

"Word from the manor—Mrs. Moretti collapsed last night. They rushed her to the hospital."

"What?" I shot to my feet, grabbed my suit jacket, and told Marco, "Take me to the hospital."

Worry flooded through me. How did Elena collapse? She'd always been healthy. She hadn't been doing anything strenuous lately. What the hell happened?

Before I could work it out, I reached the corridor. Valentina suddenly appeared, blocking my path. "Dante, what's wrong?"

"Elena's in the hospital. I need to see her." I had no time for this. "Move. Don't block me."

Valentina's eyes darted. She grabbed my arm, pressing closer. "Dante, you two just fought yesterday. Maybe Elena's collapse was from emotional stress. If you go see her now, you'll only upset her more. It won't help her recovery."

I stopped. She was right.

Elena cried so hard last night. Could've been the emotional turmoil that made her collapse. The thought filled me with regret. I could've talked to her properly. Instead, I chose something that hurt her.

I bit down hard, looked at Valentina. "Then what should I do?"

"Let me go." Valentina's beautiful eyes filled with sincerity. She smiled at me. "I thought about it all night. I've decided to let go. To wish you and Elena happiness. Since the misunderstanding started because of me, it's best if I explain. Elena will forgive you. You two will work things out."

She was right. I was probably the last person Elena wanted to see right now. If Valentina explained, told Elena there was nothing between us, maybe she'd feel better.

But I was still suspicious. One night, and Valentina changed this much?

She caught my doubt, glanced at Marco. "If you don't trust me, Marco can come along. I just want to make it clear to Elena—your heart belongs only to her now. Put her mind at ease."

Valentina stepped back, creating distance between us. She looked at me earnestly. "Dante, I just want you to be happy. Before, I fought to be with you because I thought only I could make you happy. But yesterday, meeting Elena—I could tell. She cares deeply about you. Women's intuition is sharp. I trust my judgment."

"So as long as you're happy, even if I'm not the one beside you, I can accept that."